Topic: Vernal Equinox

Elessaria

Date: 2012-05-01 20:49 EST
The embellished pumps were set on the small table where a beam of early spring sunshine poured through a skylight and caught upon a multi-faceted crystal where it reflected the light into a miniature rainbow. Elessaria took the dance of light as a promising sign for her annual pilgrimage to her homeland. For a change, the empath actually looked forward to the change in season. She was happier than she imagined possible at this same time last year. She had found love in an unexpected form; she was betrothed to a man who completed her; she had a circle of friends who were like family; a successful business, and so much more. However, the Lady Fire of Evandar would never forget the sacrifices her people had made in order to ensure her escape. Hence the reason for her stopping at Heart Notes after her dress fitting at Koy's earlier that day.

Wearing the simple gold circlet of office upon her brow, Elessaria took a deep breath and padded barefoot to pass through the permanent portal that stood in the far corner of the third floor salle. It was keyed to recognize only her aura and Luke's. It had been an after- thought, but the petite elf worked a quick spell to permit Bandito's passage as well. It was better to be prepared, was it not' There was a brief disorientation that lasted only the space of a few heartbeats. A gentle breeze heralded the arrival of Spring, caressing the ivory silk that fluttered about her ankles, and carried the distinctive fragrance of gardenia upon it. The wards appeared to be intact. They had been crafted with raw power, blood, ashes and the incredible potent emotions that had surged throughout the land during the attack and its subsequent destruction. Evandar was virtually impenetrable. It was too late, but Eless never completely gave up hope that one day it might come alive again, bursting with life and love as it had prior to her one hundredth birthday.

Elessaria could travel the path to the burned out husk of the mighty tree that had stood at the center of the main clearing, without any of the five senses. Her home had resided in its ancient limbs and a smile graced her soft, rose lips when she saw the small gardenia bush blooming at the base. Kneeling, she placed the small bouquet of snowy white flowers and pale blue freesia at the base. Gardenias had been her mother's favorite flower and the empath had always been partial to the delicate scented freesia. A doe and her yearling watched her as she sat back on her heels with her slender fingers brushing lightly along the rough bark.

"Mama, Papa"it doth seem like only yesterday we were celebrating life and a happy future for all of us. At times I feel as if I have not lived up to my legacy nor been worthy of thy sacrifices, but I am trying to fulfill my duties now. I am to wed a loving man named Luke who hath poured his love into me and renewed my belief in dreams. He is a good man whom thou wouldest like very much. I realize there is power in two. Life is good" By all the gods and goddesses, I wish thou couldest be here even if only for a few minutes?"

The elven mage closed her eyes as the crystalline tears filled them and then spilled over, following the fragile features of her face. She heard the doe give a snort and paw the ground in warning at the same time she caught a faint whiff of cloves mingled with the light florals. Eless spied the flash of a tail as mother and fawn escaped through the forest of young saplings. Before she could fully gather her mana, she heard the rough rasp of His chuckle and a shiver raced down her spine as the Darkness swallowed her.

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2012-05-07 03:49 EST
She said that she was going to be gone overnight, but the day she left had turned to night, then day, and was closing on the second night.

"Don't know Bandito, you know how she gets as well as I do." Luke spoke to the dog as if he was understood. "It's just anothah night, I know"er home's important to "er."

He had told himself that he wasn't going to worry. He told himself that she was coming back to their home, and he wasn't going to talk himself out of it.

"She ain" like the others that left, Crazy Man." Luke looked at the dog who in turn yawned, as if bored of Luke's conversation. "Sorry I'm borin" ya, "ol Podnah." He ran his hand over the top of the dog's dark gray head, and finished the beer he held in the other. A check of the clock, then a look at his watch confirmed what he already knew, he was up too late. "We'll meet "er tomorrow, and have a picnic so she can tell me about her trip, and rub you with her toes, I'm sure she's gonta need that relaxin.?"

His plan was to go to work at the Plaza, to help take his mind off of her and wanting to be there for her while she did what she was doing, but like the times he went to visit his grandfather's final resting place he sometimes just needed that alone time with the man.

"Come on 'dito, less get some shuteye, you pickin" up what I'm layin" down?" The dog's tail wagged lazily and after a long stretch, he was moving with Luke toward the bedroom.

The light was a little harsh, as the boys had been sitting in the dimly lit living room, listening to all sorts of old music from Beethoven to ZZ Top. His eyes moved to the bed, and there on her side was his old blue button down shirt she had claimed as her own. Luke found himself smiling as memories flitted through his mind of all the night spent, conversations had, and card games won or lost while she wore that shirt. How she would throw her arms around his neck, and the shirt was long enough to keep her covered properly, but just the right length that he could still see every tender curve.

He picked it up from where it was laying on the bed, and hung it carefully on one of the posts, and grinned at the dog.

"G"night, Pod.?

Luke turned out the light, undressed and crawled into bed. Silently thanking whoever was responsible for bringing Eless into his life.

Elessaria

Date: 2012-05-22 21:14 EST
He waited. He could be patient. He had waited for this day for millennia and this particular prize. Perched on a slab of granite with plumes of clove scented smoke drifting on the spring breeze, He watched His two minions bind her delicate wrists and ankles with the leather bindings that were laced with the cursed slivers of metal. The enchanted torque lay beneath the glowing scar that encircled the empath's graceful neck" it was His keepsake to her from an earlier encounter a decade or two ago. The collar rendered her unable to use her mage gifts against him when she finally roused. The sheer power of her gift had grown in ways He had not expected and the strength of the wards that had surrounded Evandar were a testament to the young elf's strength. It had been difficult for even Him to pass their protection without leaving any signs of tampering that would warn Elessaria they had been breached. "Do not mar her face," he clipped out curtly. Their slavering was akin to acid on her alabaster skin, rapidly burning through the thin ivory silk of her torn gown. "Bind her to that tree.? He pointed out the charred stump which was all that remained of her home.

Five generations prior was the last time this unique gift had risen in the House Devabriel and when He had tried to procure it then for the Dark, the lack of knowledge on how it worked had led to errors which in turn, led to the death of that particular Lord Fire of Evandar before the child could even crawl. One hundred and forty one years ago, also on the Spring Equinox, the gift of spellfire resurfaced for the first time ever in a female of the House Devabriel. He observed her as she learned to crawl, then to walk. It seemed the fair baby possessed additional gifts and talents which included her father's empathy and her mother's healing. Her people adored Eless and it was rare to find her alone; yet, He managed to cultivate her frustrations with her responsibilities and manipulate them to His advantage. It took quite a bit of resourcefulness to insert himself into Evandar and the Lady Fire's life without revealing his true nature.

On Elessaria's one hundredth birthday, He lost her. A demon horde led by His rival attacked Evandar and destroyed it in their attempt to seize the young elf for their own. An attack He made them pay for dearly. It had taken time, but eventually he found her again in RhyDin. She had blossomed into a delicate beauty whom He wished to possess as much as or even more than her gifts which He had coveted for so long. RhyDin and its varied denizens was the perfect place to observe her. He hardly ever earned a second glance from passersby and he could orchestrate from afar. He knew Eless would not bend willingly to serve the Dark. However, His patience had paid off. She was predictable and He had learned her weaknesses. The time for play was over.

As soon as she regained consciousness, He had a few ideas on how to make her submit.

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2012-06-10 21:28 EST
Driving through fields of sugarcane with the top down, the wind whipped through their hair. Even though he'd been gone for a while, the back roads around New Orleans and up through Slidell were engrained in his memory, much like every curve of the smiling elf beside him.

"A"mael?"

Her voice was different, strained. Luke looked her way to see blood flowing from her tear ducts and burn marks across her neck.

"What the hell, Eless?" He slammed on the brakes, sliding the "Cuda to a sideways stop. A moment so realistic, it jarred him awake.

Wiping sweat from his brow before picking up his watch to check the time, he tried to quell the ache in his soul. Luke muttered, "Just a dream,"

Hearing his master's voice, Bandito sat up scanned the room for any threats, then seeing none looked up at Luke. His eager golden eyes waited for a clue as to what came next.

Luke rolled out of bed and shuffled toward the door, trying to work his mind around the weird dream of being home, and the way it felt when she spoke. Pushing open the door to let his dog out, he then wandered off to the bathroom to perform his morning hygiene ritual and a shower.

The light was bright against the normally dark walls and he stood at the vanity watching his reflection in the mirror. "Lookin" rough, Pod," said to his reflection as he brushed his teeth and inspected them to assure there wasn't a dental appointment any time in his near future. Frowning at his image in the mirror, he noticed something different.

Familiar old scars from childhood days; on up to the night he took a shotgun blast to his side when he stopped a truckload of looters, had changed. The one from the time he had fallen off his bicycle at the age of twelve and took three stitches to his chin was gone. He leaned closer to the mirror and rubbed at his eyes to be sure that he wasn't seeing things. Looking at other places and marks that he'd had for nearly forty-one years were all gone or fading, including the one taken in late 2005.

"Somewhere I read once that scars fade over time, but disappear?" He was about to think he was dreaming again, until he heard Bandito outside, barking up the tree at two squirrels who were barking their own way back down at him.

His thoughts turned to Eless again and wondered if she had a hand in making old wounds go away. They'd talked about her gifts as a natural healer and how their bonds could affect him, but healing like that was never mentioned.

He finished with his shower, dressed, and made his way to the kitchen.

Something told him that two days away from her would be two too many. He wanted to welcome her back and make her return pleasant. Steaks were marinating in his 'secret' recipe of spices and beer. He made quick work of slicing fresh melon and other fruit, as well as chilled her favorite Elven Red wine.

The table was set with plates, glasses, flatware, and antique silver candleholders, both with white candles ready to burn over dinner. Suddenly there was a spicy-sweet smell he couldn't quite identify. Nostrils flared slightly as he breathed it in and his eyes darted around the kitchen, then toward the French Doors, both of which were closed. He took two steps toward the glass and wood frames before he felt like something was searing into his flesh around his neck, and then heard her voice again.

"Luke!?

Elessaria

Date: 2012-06-27 11:26 EST
~How can you see into my eyes like open doors" Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb Without a soul my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold until you find it there and lead it back home." (Bring me to life)~ Bring Me To Life - Evanescence



Shades of gray seeped slowly through the inky blackness that enveloped Elessaria and carried with them fragments of memories. The empath was back in her room as a child of eight decades, her mother trying desperately to arrange the silken golden strands of her hair into some semblance of a presentable style. Mysaleatha's tongue clicked against her teeth while she worked. "Elessaria, why wouldest thou cut thy hair like this" "Tis too lovely and "tis unlike thee." The elven healer knew the answer even before she asked her daughter. Her parents knew all too well the burden of duty weighed heavily on the Lady Fire of Evandar and at times the young elf would fight the yoke of responsibility. Most of the time her rebellious acts were harmless and therefore, permitted without any punishment. After all, she did deserve to enjoy her childhood whenever possible. It was not the child's fault she was born with such extraordinary gifts. "I do nay know, Mama," Eless replied meekly with a single shouldered shrug. "I wanted to try something new." It was only a partial truth, but her mother didn't push for a more detailed answer. "We both know "twill only last for the rest of the day, by morning "twill be back to knee length." She had even borrowed her father's enchanted dagger to hack at her hair in hopes of it not returning to its self-determined length.

"Aye, child, it most likely shall, but thou most be presented to the Council of Elders in less than a candle mark." Eless had taught herself a couple of useful spells early on to hide some of her minor transgressions. They included a cantrip to keep her bare feet clean and one to keep her gowns immaculate since she would often sneak away to play in the forest while still wearing her "court' gowns. "Ow!" She complained when Mysa finished tightening the braid. The young elf wisely swallowed the rest of her retort. While her mother wove in fresh freesia blossoms, Eless gathered up the courage to ask, "Why must they see me today' And why must I wear such a formal gown?" Slender fingers smoothed the rich blue elven silk overlaid with blue and gold brocade. She worried at her lower lip while she waited for the answer. "A very important dignitary from another elven kingdom is visiting, Elessaria. "Tis why thou must attend and represent Evandar well," replied her father from where he leaned just inside her bedroom door. Kadeth had come to check on his wife and daughter's progress, prepared to ease the way with his empathy if necessary. A wordless, undignified snort was the Lady Fire's only response and met with a narrowed gaze, times two.

As her mother placed the ancient golden circlet gently on Eless" head, the somewhat reluctant young elf asked, "Calonderial shall be there, aye?" The elven bard was a security blanket of sorts and the only one who came close to understanding her mage gifts, or at least according to what she believed. He traveled throughout many lands, sharing his Bardic gifts and most likely had even escorted this new dignitary to Evandar. "I believe so, Elessaria. Now please stand still while I secure thy necklace," her mother gently admonished, fastening the sapphire velvet ribbon around Eless" neck. A gold flame pendant hung from the soft fabric, nestled at the hollow of her throat. Without any warning, Elessaria began to shriek, clawing at her neck in an attempt to remove the choker. "It doth burn! Take it off! Mama! Papa! Help!" A torrent of emotions flooded Elessaria along with endless waves of pain that washed away the childhood memory. The wild cries of terror required too much breath and faded into desperate pleading, now trying to claw her way to consciousness.

"Luke" Luke!?

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2012-06-27 17:39 EST
Luke paced the floor, tugging at the shirt collar that felt too tight around his neck. There was no reason for any of this that he could understand.

"My parents shared a soul bond, A"mael," Eless had told him.

What the Cajun gathered from the meaning of a soul bond meant they shared a connection deeper than the happiest in love couple ever would. It was something shared by elves, entered by choice with a ritual, but for her parents it just happened.

"I want that bond, Eless." "We have a bond, Crazy Cajun." She said, watching him with flame blue eyes and a soft smile. "Look at all we've been through in a short time." "But, I want what they had."

"Melamian, Thou dost nay know what thou dost ask," She said, as she searched his eyes, and knew that he was serious. "It is entered by our choice, made true by ritual. Once the bond is made, it cannot be broken."

"I don't want to break it," Luke said as he met her searching gaze, and then dropped his own eyes to the ring she had given him, which had belonged to her father. Signet of the House Devabriel. Gold and black onyx, overlaid with a golden flame.

Bandito paused from gnawing on the steak bone and watched his master, while Luke leaned against the wall, thinking over Eless" words. The way it sounded to him, if one were feeling something, the other would share the feeling. Worst-case scenario, if one died, the other would do the same.

Making a decision, Luke pushed off from the wall, entered their shared bedroom, and stepped into the walk- in closet. He pressed the code for the num-lock on the back wall, which allowed entry into his gun safe. Eless kept dresses in her closet; Luke kept a growing gun collection in his. The funny thing about Rhy"Din, was that you could find anything or anyone. It seemed they all passed through here at some point, and things at home that would cost a lot of hard earned cash, could be bought for next to nothing.

He walked past the old Colt Peacemakers. Next to the Henry Golden Boy, and Sharp's Buffalo Rifle were his latest buys, twin .45 Fully Customized 1911 Pistols. They did not bear Colonel Colt's name, but they were every bit as beautiful in his eyes. Someone had taken time to make sure the slides were like silk, the stainless magazine ports worked effortlessly in the release, capture of the extended magazines, and the installed ambidextrous safety took the lightest of touch. They were truly a work of gunsmith art.

By asking around, he knew of a weapon dealer located in the West End, who dealt in things considered illegal on the bayou, but the norm in his new home.

Luke made a short drive into Korrah. His worn boot steps carried him over the shop's threshold, similar to many Army/Navy Surplus stores he had been inside when he was a cop. There was familiar equipment Luke identified easily, like the MREs to the BDUs and camouflage in every shade imaginable, but he also noticed several unusual items he had never seen.

"Simplicity is the best answer in any situation, Lucas James." His grandmother's words passed through his mind as he looked at something boasting, "Personal Cloaking Device." Almost immediately after hearing Gran Boudreux's words, he could visualize Arnold looking over a South American jungle chasing the cloaked alien. "If it bleeds we can kill it."

"Can I help you find something?" A gruff voice, heavily laced with years of cigars and booze, queried.

Luke turned to find himself staring at a dark expanse of chest, then moved his eyes upward to look into the man's face, immediately noting the cigar held with too large teeth, and his right eye covered by an eye patch.

"Right," the man reminded him of a convict named Billy Joe Tyler, who was also a monster of a man, but well read and thoughtful unless someone tried to take his pudding, "I need something simple, but effective."

"That narrows it down, Pal," the giant said sarcastically.

"I'm going hunting." Luke tried to stay vague.

"For man or beast?"

"I am really not sure, Pod."

"Huntin" for Zorg knows what," the gravelly voiced fellow said, before he blew out a column of white- gray smoke that reminded Luke of the one and only time he had been to New Jersey. "I deal in all sorts of hardware, you asked for simple. You got the guns I'm guessin", but what you ain't got is explosives."

"Simplicity is the best answer in any situation," Luke said.

"Follow me, Mister Simple." The big man turned and walked away, confident that Luke would follow. He paused near a cluttered desk filled with old donuts, several empty coffee mugs, and a few newspapers. His big hand pulled open the top right drawer and flipped a switch inside. "I gotta keep some of this stuff locked up, you seen somma da weirdos around here I'm sure," he said as a section of wall slid back revealing an impressive collection of both familiar and unknown weapons. "Whatever needs killin", something in this room will do just that." He stepped back to allow Luke's entry.

The Cajun was like a kid at Christmas. He took the time to examine and touch nearly every piece in the room, though he had found what he wanted as soon as he stepped foot inside. From somewhere behind him, he heard the strike of a wooden match and could smell the sour tinge left after lighting the burnt end of the cigar in the man's mouth.

"I'll take two of those," he said with a point at the first shelf.

"Forty-five minutes in my shop, and that's it?" The giant asked in disbelief. "Simplicity."

"And effective," the giant said with a grunt as he bent down to get the second item from a lower shelf. "What else ya need?"

Luke thought about that for a little bit. "I need a duffel, big enough for those, and a few other things. I've got no clue how long my trip will be." He stepped from the room and walked toward the desk, while reaching for his wallet. He was not sure what he was getting into, but he was going in prepared.

Elessaria

Date: 2012-07-05 22:26 EST
~You're walking alone From heaven into hell Now that you know Your way in this madness Your powers are gone Your chains have been broken You've suffered so long You will never change.~

~When the shadows remain in the light of day On the wings of darkness He'll retaliate He'll be falling from grace Till the end of all his days

From the ashes of hate It's a cruel demon's fate On the wings of darkness He's returned to stay There will be no escape~ A Demon's Fate, Withing Temptation

He watched impassively, nails clicking absently while He watched his prize struggle back to consciousness. The plaintive whimpers that passed through her chapped lips appealed to Him, but the shrieks that shattered the darkness and brought her into the dappled sunlight, brought a visceral response to Him. He watched blandly as the delicate elf immediately retched, held up right only by the cursed bonds that pinned her to the tree. The string of colorful curses (from a long extinct elven dialect) which poured from her cracked lips, set a raven brow into a high arch. "Elessaria, thy time consorting with human mortals and the pathetic cast-offs that call RhyDin home hath had a negative influence on one with such quality bloodlines as thyself. I know for a fact thy parents raised thee better." He watched the empath futilely attempt to wipe at her face, her clouded gaze immediately looking for the source of the voice whose rich timbre resonated from Eless" memories. The hope that glimmered amidst the erratic flickering of blue flames caused a deep chuckle to rumble free from his chest and amusement to stretch his lips into a feral grin.

"Calonderial?" Disbelief and desperation laced the elf's question. "I"I thought"I thought thou didst perish here"in Evandar with' with all of the others."

She might have been a little bit muddled for the moment, but she was never stupid. Na've, yes; lacking in intelligence, definitely not. It definitely made this lifelong pursuit of his prize more enjoyable. He watched her gaze sharpen, another plume of scent smoke streamed from his lips. "Give her water," He ordered the underling to his left. The beast scrambled to fill a wooden dipper with spring water and bring it to Elessaria's lips. He watched as her cheeks puffed while she swished the cool water around her mouth and actually guffawed when his feisty prize spat it back out into the underling's malformed face. Her actions earned her a cuff by his meaty hand. "Not her face," He reminded the lumbering creature, "or thou wilt pay for thy stupidity." It was that fiery spirit that made him want to possess her completely and not just the strength of her gifts. Calonderial caught a quick glimpse of hatred before Eless" gaze shuttered against the realization of this betrayal; a betrayal which cut her to her core and released a torrent of emotions. He recognized the gesture and knew she was weaving the empathic shields to protect anyone who might be linked with her. The collar that glowed around her neck would prevent her from gathering any mana; but, it could not restrict her empathy. That particular gift was innate for the Lady Fire of Evandar and as natural to her as breathing. He had learned from his vigilant surveillance that anytime the empath had healed someone, she would be forever connected to that person'the depth and intensity depended on the extent of healing and the duration of time that had passed. He, too, learned from his mistakes and ensured she could not resort to an emotional assault. The Servant of Dark waited for her questions, his smile growing as he realized she was not going to ask. "Join me, Elessaria," he leveled his steely gaze to meet hers, rising with a sinister grace brought about by his elven and demon heritage. "I am giving thee an opportunity to have a life beyond any thou mayest have dreamed. " He trailed a nail along her fragile features and licked his lips. "One word from thee, the right word, and all of this will end."

"Never," Eless hissed out, standing as tall and proud as the bindings would permit. The rapid thrumming of her pulse just above the collar betrayed her fear.

"That is not the right word, Elessaria. Pity.?

Elessaria

Date: 2013-08-01 18:20 EST
It took more than several disconcerting seconds for the Empath to realize the sudden flashes of silvery light played out on the inside of her unresponsive eyelids and the not the night sky of Evandar. Her eyes felt more gluey than crusty; yet, eventually they complied. She only managed a hitched breath before the sudden pain seared her side, making consciousness less appealing. Elessaria hung limply from her bonds, the cursed metal and leather were the only reason she remained upright. They had not loosened by the way her wrists burned. The less-favored and even less intelligent of her two beastly guards (who happened to have lost his left hand immediately after disobeying his Master by cuffing his prisoner in the face even after being duly warned to cease) demonstrated his keen passion for torture and not for learning by scoring Eless" pale flesh with a cursed blade. He dipped the obsidian tip at the inside, bottom edge of her hip bone and dragged it upward, slicing along her left side. He proceeded to trace the blade along the edges of her ribcage. When Eless swallowed hard to muffle her cry of pain, she disrupted his work; the jagged edge cut deeper than originally intended and his huff of annoyance added his acidic spittle to thin ribbon of blood that beaded upon her chilled flesh. "Stupid Elf," he growled.

"Stupid. Stupid, whatever thou art," Eless countered with a croaked hiss.

The demon's growl became a snarl and he raised the knife, the flat edge pressed against her cheek held the same vile chill that scalded her tender flesh beneath her bonds as well as the enchanted torque heavy around her neck. "Go ahead, Lefty," she rasped out her dare. "See how well thou dost fare if thou dost continue." His pause granted her a moment to reweave her tattered shielding as she struggled to keep her pain from bleeding through and hurting those whom she loved. Keeping them safe zapped her waning strength even as it fortified her will to survive. Honker, the moniker she gave Lefty's cohort, yanked Lefty's right shoulder and they began to squabble yet again in a demon dialect unknown to her. Without their master's presence, the pair's verbal disagreement disintegrated into a violent brawl. Elessaria used their distraction to castigate herself silently. Stupid, stupid, STUPID elf! Just how much time hath past"

The night sky was thick with gray, clouds and granted her no clues. The Lady Fire stretched her senses. Nothing, not even the serenade of crickets could be found. She lowered her gaze to her bedraggled form, trying not to wince at the wounds her body bore as witness to the games her captors played while she had retreated into unconsciousness. Bruises mottled her skin. Some appeared old with the edges starting to green and yellow, while some appeared fresh. The flimsy strips of silk failed to flutter in the slight breeze due to the crust of blood weighing the ivory fabric down. All of them hurt like the Nine Hells and the elven mage still had no answers as to how long she had been captive. Time did not flow in Evandar at the same rate it did in RhyDin which only added to her confusion.

A shadow bent and grew at the periphery of her vision; the tell-tale scent of clove smoke heralded her nightmare's return. Lefty and Honker were too occupied pounding on one another's fetid flesh to realize they were no longer alone with their prisoner. "Tsk, tsk?" was their sole warning. The thunderous burst of power threatened to push Eless back into darkness, yet she clung perversely and precariously to awareness if only to rejoice in watching her tormentors flash into flame and then dissipate into ash. "They bored me, Elessaria," He explained in rich silky tones which no longer brought her comfort like they had during her childhood. "Heed their example and do nay bore me."

~All around me I see danger and it's closing in on me Every second I can hear it breathing I can't stand the fear inside me 'cause it's leading me astray And it will be my ending I'm searching, I'm fighting for a way To get through, to turn it away It's waiting, always trying I feel the hands of fate, they're suffocating Tell me what?s the reason, is it all inside my head? Can't take it no more But no one faced what?s coming my way And I will let my fear fade away Whatever may be, I'll have to find out~ —Final Destination by Within Temptation

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2013-08-07 12:18 EST
She wasn't Vick. She wasn't even close. Luke sighed as he tried to explain to the blue haired girl that he wouldn't be in town for at least two days, again. He had talked about hiring someone to work the front office, take calls, and do light filing, but she was the only applicant he had gotten. "Also, you'll need to be sure that "Dito has food, watah, an he likes to go for walks." Luke said as he ran his hands over the dog's head. "Don'tcha Pod?"

"Walking the dog wasn't mentioned in the ad," She said as she huffed blue bangs out of her face. "How long are you going to be gone again, Mister Boodrow?"

"Seriously, call me Luke. I hope just long enough to get my fianc" and back by suppah. You'll only have to watch him overnight."

The girl eyed his bags of gear, and the two pistols on his body. "You look like you are going hunting, Mister Luke."

He hoped that she was wrong. "Here's my cell number," He jotted the number down on a sticky note. "My private cell, not the office one. If you have any trouble, and I have a signal, I'll walk you through it. If it's too bad, and you can't talk to me, take Bandito, lock the door, and I'll call you when I'm back."

Luke stood, smiled and picked up the two duffels before he turned toward the door and took long, careful strides toward the elevators.

"Bet it ain't rainin" back home. Bet your sister's still on the phone." He sang quietly to himself while waiting and shifting the bags in his hands to adjust for weight. "Bet mama's in the kitchen, cookin" fried chicken?" He stopped when heard the clicking of his dog's claws on the tile floor, and turned to look at him as he approached, looking smug.

"M-mister Luke" I don't think your dog likes me. He kept growling and backed me into the corner." She was telling on him, like a child would tell on another in a playground. Luke was waiting for the mention of name calling or booger threats.

"Okay, I'll just take him with me." He looked down at the dog as it fanned it's tail happily. "Just take care of the phones, take messages, and I'll see you soon." He smiled to the girl, thinking she would be replaced upon his return, then looked back to the dog. "Let's go get "er and bring "er home, Pod.?

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2013-11-16 13:55 EST
His key worked the lock on Heart Notes back door easily. He wasn't sure, but knew that there were wards and protection things around that kept those who were uninvited out, and those inside safe. Bandito bound into the shop, snuffling and turning his head back and forth.

"I know. I miss her too." Luke assured the blue.

He stopped and looked around the shop. Her helpers had been running thing as usual, but shelves were starting to empty, and it was obvious that Eless" personal touch was nowhere to be found. He knew she was alive, he could feel it in his soul, and he also knew it was going to be a battle when he got her home, to keep her there resting, instead of insisting to be at her shop. Luke laughed quietly.

"Ain't even got her home yet, who knows what I'm facin" to get her here" and worried about the fight with her to stay home. You've just stared death in the face. Defeated an evil son ova bitch, and saved the girl. Luke Boudreux, what are you going to do' I'm goin" to Disneyland, so I ain't gotta fight with the girl!"

He and the dog moved up the stairs that lead to her old home above the shop, and where the portal to Evandar still thrummed as if alive. Her homeland was just on the other side of the swirling, colorful gate. The duffle was moved to his other hand then he reached out to touch the magic. Colors danced and moved along his arm, slowly upward, warm and inviting.

Bandito looked up at him, then toward the gate. The dog walked around the portal, sniffing, as if checking the air for prey. There was a low growl and then he leapt up and into the unknown.

"Dito!" Luke grabbed for the dog's collar, only to find himself off balance and falling into nothing for the briefest of moments. He braced for an impact that never came. Green eyes cracked open just slightly, almost afraid to see what he'd walked into, but found worked stones under his booted feet, and Bandito looking at him with curiosity. "Well, that wasna so bad."

The architecture was like nothing he had ever seen. The building was small, but looked inspired by a great temple of an age long since forgotten. There was nothing outside except green grasses, and great trees, both of which were unknown species to the Cajun. Birds made strange, yet beautiful calls, and small, furry creatures ran from the presence of a stranger in their midst.

"Eless?" He called out her name, then chided himself an idiot for doing so. If someone was holding her, surely they'd have help, and he just gave a pinpoint to his location. "Come on, Dito. We've got to beat the bushes the hard, silent way."

Bandito looked up at Luke with bright, golden eyes and watched as he shifted the duffel to his back, after taking the Stoner 63 5.56 from within. The man checked the magazine, then worked the slide. The hunt had started.

Elessaria

Date: 2013-11-16 15:11 EST
Calonderial ground the remains of his cigarette beneath his finely crafted, elven boot, crushing it along with a tender sprig of white freesia. "Elessaria," he forced her to remain aware with the call of her name, his tone softening a fraction as he approached her limp form. "Drink this," the demon-elf mix cajoled while he hid the smile of satisfaction at the glimmer of distrust that flickered weakly amidst the blue flames in her eyes. He brought the cup to her parched lips and as she drank the liquid, redolent of familiar herbs, his murmurs were soothing, even encouraging, while he watched the Empath's gaze shutter in an attempt to guard her emotions; however, she was not aware that in this proximity and her weakened state, each and every feeling was broadcast clearly to him. Still, her tormentor was proud of his prize"he needed a strong woman to rule at his side and he was not mistaken in staying true to his quest of nearly a half century. Once her captor was assured his feisty prey was not going to spit out the fortifying liquid, he exchanged the cup for a bowl in which he soaked a square of raven silk. Calonderial neatly wrung out the excess water and gently began to wipe the elfess" brow. He noted the recognition of the scent of freesia and lavender in her eyes. It was a blend her mother had often used to soothe the sick and feverish. He had yet to meet Eless" match in the depths of expression and knew he most likely never would. His touch was light, yet skilled as he continued to wipe away the vestiges of her torture from her alabaster skin , tracing along her cheek and the slender column of her throat where her pulse thrummed like the wings of a captive hummingbird.

"Now, Elessaria," he spoke gently, "Art thou ready to join me in thy rightful place at my side?"

Her thirst only slightly slaked, she hissed, "Never!" The blue flames flickered and flared, emphasizing her vehement refusal. The half-breed dropped the piece of silk back into the bowl, his elegant fingers suddenly grasping her chin and tilting it up to meet his obsidian gaze. "Why dost thou fight the inevitable, Arimelda?"

"I am nay thy dearest!"

"That is where thou art incorrect, Elessaria. I have waited patiently for thee far longer than any of those who hath previously declared their love to thee. Think about it. They all abandon thee, sooner or later, Herince."

"Thou dost lie! "Tis all thou hast ever done, Calonderial!" Her gaze narrowed accusingly as she looked up at him, "If "tis even thy true name!" Every endearment set her skin to crawl and the Empath despised being caught in a position of weakness.

"Calonderial is indeed my name, Elessaria. My mother was an exceedingly enchanting elf. However, we are nay discussing my life; we are discussing thine and thy poor choices of suitable partners." He released his hold of her chin and tenderly brushed the tangled tendrils of gold from her bruised cheek. "Thou dost know I speak the truth. Who hath stayed at the side faithfully' Nay that self-proclaimed avatar of the gods; nay the arrogant pilot; nor that aged con-man."

Each word he spoke re-opened old wounds the Empath believed to have been long healed. Her only defense was to shut her eyes. Eless swallowed the lump in her throat and worked to keep the hurt from bleeding down to those whom she protected. She could feel the heat of his gaze burning through her fragile defenses. "No defense" Thou dost know I am right. Even thy heart sisters abandoned thee long ago! Why live with these inferior beings and continually suffer such hurts when thou canst live with me and never be hurt again?"

"Never!"

"Holding out hope for thy current pathetic human' He barely waited for thy bed to cool before he moved on, my Netya."

"Nay!"

"Oh, but he hath returned to his homeland. Open thine eyes and I shall show thee."

Carry me to heaven's arms Light the way and let me go Take the time to take my breath I will end where I began

And I will find the enemy within 'Cause I can feel it crawl beneath my skin

Dear agony, just let go of me Suffer slowly, is this the way it's got to be, dear agony? — Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony Lyrics

Elessaria

Date: 2013-11-16 19:18 EST
Elessaria opened her eyes if only to feign lack of fear. The powerful mage whispered an incantation in a language the Lady Fire had never heard before with his hand hovering over the bowl of scented water. His palm waved over the surface, turning it to glass. "Watch, Elessaria. This is what hath happened in RhyDin since thy disappearance."

She straightened as best as she could while remaining bound tightly to the tree's trunk. The set of her jaw proud; but, her insatiable elven curiosity once again got the best of her. Eless turned her attention to the bowl to watch the first images begin to form. It was the old warehouse where Luke and she had made their home. The windows were cracked and broken, the flower beds over grown and the swing in the backyard dangled crookedly from a single, rusted chain. There was a faint rectangle of darker paint beneath where the "Casa Boudreux" sign had been hung. Gone from the garage were the cars and the tools that had been housed there and fortunately, Calonderial spared her the view of the rest of the magess" former home. Weak, she tried to make sense of the images that formed and then faded, as sadness welled in her tender heart. Just how long had she been captive" The exhausted elf shifted her attention to her captor and quipped, "That is all the proof thou canst show me" For all I know he could be away, searching for me."

"Nay, Mela en' coiamin, "tis only the beginning," his words a sweet caress which brought ice cold chills instead of warmth and desire. Look again."

The surface darkened briefly. When the next image formed it was of the petite elfess" precious parfumerie. The dazzling display of custom fragrances, specialty bottles and craftsmanship had been replaced with more generic offerings by her two assistants whom she watched change the sign from "Heart Notes" to "Blooms and Perfumes". Eless was unable to hear their words; however, their pleased expressions were easily interpreted. Her only visible response was a single arching of her brow, yet disappointment and hurt dug deeply in her sensitive soul . Once again the images faded and the Red Dragon Inn appeared next. Only a few patrons relaxed in the commons, the face of the bartender on duty unfamiliar. No canisters of her special blends of teas remained behind the old bar and someone else's apron filled what had once been her cubby. Eless could feel the darkness of his gaze boring into her while she watched and struggled not to show any reaction. She almost succeeded until she bore witness to the Innkeeper savagely kicking a blue pit with gold eyes out of the kitchen where her loyal companion had been fighting with The Stew for scraps. She squeaked in horror! "Bandito!" Tears welled up in her eyes, distorting the blue flames and she felt the hope drain out of her with her breathy protest at his treatment. "Nay! He will come for me! Thou hast only proven lack of loyalty of others! Nay his love for me!"

"Watch!" he commanded, once more grabbing her chin to force her to return her attention to the mirror-like surface. When she shut her eyes instead, his tone and touch became icy. "I order thee to watch, Elessaria. I have saved the best for last as the saying goes."

An unfamiliar sun and sky slowly came into focus when the Lady Fire of Evandar finally found the will to obey the Demi-demon. The black convertible, however, was very familiar?Korrah, her gift to her betrothed. Luke was behind the wheel, but a lovely, young woman with long, wind-tousled, red hair seemed quite comfortable in the passenger seat. The pair laughed and smiled as they zipped past moss covered trees. Again, Eless was not privy to the conversation. She could only watch silently as the car turned into a driveway where Luke hopped out to assist the laughing woman alight from the car after it was parked. When the Empath saw the woman, despair ripped through her and only the cursed binding kept the devastated elfess from sinking to her knees. The woman was obviously pregnant, near the end of her last trimester most likely, and Luke was extra-gentle as he reverently touched her belly, their matching gold bands glinting in the Louisiana sun. The door to the comfortable Southern home opened and Eless recognized the woman waiting on the front porch as Luke's mother from his descriptions. Despair flooded over her in a torrent of wild emotion as she squeezed her eyes shut against the image that was now burned into her memory. Only a plaintive whisper escaped Eless as she escaped into unconsciousness.

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2014-05-05 15:30 EST
The landscape was familiar from the rare nights that Elessaria had spoken of her homeland. Luke passed the freesia, her favorite flower, and the scent brought memories flooding back to him of his elf with them sprinkled and intwined in braids in her hair.

"For luck, A"mael." She would say quietly when he was caught studying the small flowers.

He stopped and looked down near his boot where two of the flowers grew, and bent to pluck them carefully. One was tucked into Bandito's collar, the other was put into his shirt pocket.

"She said dey bring luck, "Dito....we need all we can git."

The wooded landscape was welcoming, but something was missing and it took a long walk toward a familiar pull to realize what was missing.

"Ain" a sound out here, "Dito....not even our footprints. Swamp's got all kind o' sounds, but it's like a tomb out here."

He spoke to the dog and watched as he cocked his head to the side as if understanding every word.

"We'll get her home."

**********

The fire was small, but the smoke plume grew from the wet wood they were trying to keep lit.

"When I ordered wood for the fire, I spoke of the dry fallen that litter the forest floor." The creature's horned head turned to face the other who stood in silence with downcast eyes. "You hacked down some of the master's trees, obviously." His lips curled away from yellowed fangs as he turned to huff a breath into the dying embers. "I do not like it here in a dead land." He said quietly.

"I saw not a deer, bird, or any manner of beast since Master brought her here. Even the fish in the waters have all but disappeared. I hunger."

"We both hunger, Imbicile." The horned one swatted out a large hand and knocked the smaller to his back. "If Master is right, there could be someone coming for her, maybe an army....we will dine on their flesh."

"I hope it is elven. Their flesh is so sweet." He spat a mouthful of blue blood onto the ground after the words were spoken. "Why must you hit Efocador so hard?"

"Because, Oeobach in charge, Master says." He puffed out his chest. "Oeobach strongest, and chosen to lead others when we summon with fire we cannot light."

His hand raised to strike the small one, but he dodged the blow which started a fight between the two.

******

Luke watched them through the scope on the Stoner while Bandito stared with wide, yellow eyes as he took it all in. The scope wasn't needed for a shot, as they were close enough to hear every word said, but he wanted to see what he might be dealing with.

"I ain't an expert, but they look like demons." He said quietly.

Bandito turned his head slowly away from the fighting pair, his eyes staying on them as his head turned until that last moment he met Luke's. The dog moved the same way when he was crouched low, watching the squirrels at home, and was being scolded by Eless for wanting to chase them.

"Don't do it," Luke said as he moved slowly to get the pack off his back. "They aren't squirrels, and whatever they look like now, can change to somethin" like a bus and eat you for a furry snack."

Luke's own movements were slow and deliberate. The pack was opened as quietly as possible as he watched Bandito turn and slowly watch the pair again. "Don't worry my fuzzy friend, I'll let you bite one of them, soon."

He pulled the bottle from within and turned it over. It was plastic, with a blue plastic lid and an embossed cross.

"I hope they are regular, God-Fearin" sorts." He said as he placed the bottle down and reached into the pack again. "And. I hope they ain't too fond of my own wrath."

He pulled the pin on the smooth, round grenade and just like high school threw the baseball sized object right into the "net of home plate" which was this time, their campfire. It was followed by the canister incendiary, which wasn't as easily thrown.

"Cover your ears, boy. It's going to get loud." He pulled the dog toward him and the rock near their post to wait for what seemed like an eternity.

((TBC))

Luke Boudreaux

Date: 2014-05-05 15:30 EST
((deleted by author))

Elessaria

Date: 2014-12-19 15:17 EST
Calonderial watched with pure pleasure as his victim slipped once again into unconsciousness. He did not wish to fracture Elessaria's sanity; he only wished to sever all of the strained ties which bound her to any other. When her pale, delicate visage crumpled while she watched her latest human consort married and expecting a child, the elven-demon hybrid (with a smattering of demi-god) sensed his success was close at hand. It was glorious, sweet and heady sensation, and far more addictive than the clove scented cigarettes he smoked. Once the Lady Fire of Evandar consented to the formal ritual of a soul bind, his triumph would be divine! He watched his prize's lush lashes flutter sporadically and the rise and fall of her chest with each harsh, shallow breath she expelled. He must proceed carefully as not only was her sanity precariously perched on a chasm of loss, but her body hovered on the razor sharp edge of life and death as well. While he was extraordinarily powerful, even the Dark Mage could not bring her back from death. He could not resist tracing her features with a raven tipped finger"even in her bedraggled state he found her beauty enchanting. Calonderial sensed the arrival of her rescuers before he even heard the metallic click which preceded the sudden explosion. Instantly the mage conjured a shield, leaving the two demons to fend for themselves, while he protected himself and Eless from the blast. As the injured demons launched their counter attack, Calonderial bent to capture Eless" parched lips in a tender kiss, lingering in their sweet taste. "With this kiss, I gift thee thy greatest desire, Amerielda," he whispered with a last caress to her bruised cheek. "Thou wilt be forever mine, Elessaria Devabriel."

The Dark Mage straightened, then deftly removed the enchanted torque from her neck and vanished in the whirling winds which now stormed over Evandar.